There's an old joke about life in Montana.  It goes something like this: "There are only two seasons in Montana....nine months of winter and three months of relatives."   That may not be entirely true.  These days, lots of relatives come for the skiing, too!  But, if you've moved here from a warmer climate, you'll definitely want to invest in a snow shovel.  It just the last 10 years, snow accumulations of six inches or more have been recorded in Bozeman as late as mid-June and as early as the end of August!

We know that snow and ice created problems for drivers. But, snowfall also creates treacherous conditions for pedestrians as well.  This describes the City of Bozeman's policy and program for clearing snow from sidewalks during the 'nine months of winter'.

A Bit of History

The purpose of sidewalk snow removal is, of course, to provide safe conditions for pedestrians to walk around town.  In 1920, City Ordinance 520 established the first standard for sidewalk snow removal.  Under the ordinance, the City of Bozeman provided snow removal on all public sidewalks within city limits.  But as the city grew and the automobile caused more emphasis to be put on plowing roads, the timely clearing of snow from sidewalks with a limited number of City personnel became an increasingly difficult task.

In 1985, the City adopted Ordinance 1171.  This ordinance enlisted the help of property owners to remove snow from public sidewalks adjoining their property.  City staff continues to shovel snow from sidewalks in parks and other public lands within city limits.  In 2000, City Ordinance 1529 was passed.  This ordinance clarified and amended the snow removal requirements of Ordinance 1171.  Similar ordinances have been adopted by other Montana cities and by cities in other states which also get pummeled with snow.

Living with City Snow Ordinances

The City of Bozeman Engineer's Office is charged with administering the City's sidewalk snow removal program.   The Engineer's Office hires part-time seasonal employees who inspect sidewalks around town for compliance  with Ordinance 1171 and 1529.  After each storm that produces a significant snowfall, sidewalks are inspected.  Properties in business districts where pedestrian traffic is quite high are given priority.  These areas are required to clear snow from sidewalks by 9:00 a.m. of the next business day or by 12:00 p.m. of the next non-business day, or within four business hours of any snow or ice accumulation, whichever is sooner.  Residential sidewalks are to be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours of any accumulation.

Snow removal inspectors issue a Courtesy Notice at properties not in compliance with ordinances.  Owners have the remainder of the day to clear the sidewalks.  If the walk in not cleared when inspectors return, the City contract to have the sidewalks cleared and the property owner is billed for the cost of the work, plus a penalty.

Special Concerns

Rental Properties: It is the responsibility of the owner of a rental property to provide snow removal from public sidewalks adjoining a rental property.  The owner may contract for snow removal service or may require the tenant to assume that responsibility as part of the rental agreement.  If you are an owner, you should be aware of your responsibility to provide for sidewalk snow removal and see that it is being done.  If you are a tenant, you should be aware whether you have assumed that responsibility as part of your rental agreement.

Snowplowing: Snowplows create special problems for some property owners,  Sidewalks for most residential properties are set back 5.5 feet from curbs.  This provides an area for accumulation of snow plowed from the adjoining street.  However, sidewalks at many businesses run next to the curb and can be buried when streets are plowed.  Bozeman Street Division crews are sensitive to this problem and do their best to try to minimize these situations.  Some businesses are located next to state highways that are maintained by the Montana Highway Department.  These are usually wide roads with higher speeds.  The plows throw the snow well of the road because of the speed at which they operate.  While this can be a real source of annoyance to a property owner trying to keep walks clear, it does not reduce the importance of keeping a walkway safe for pedestrians.

Vacant Lots:  Property owners of vacant lots with sidewalks are required  to keep sidewalks clear.  In these cases, it is not possible for City inspectors to leave a Courtesy Notice when a violation occurs.  However, that does not relieve the property owner of the responsibility for maintaining a properly cleared walk.

Absentee Owners: If you own property in Bozeman, but do not live here, you may want to hire a local property manager to see to it that the requirements of the sidewalk snow removal program are being met.

An Ounce of Prevention...

Snow shoveling can be a tough job when the snow is wet and heavy.  But is wet snow is trample down and followed by a cold snap, the resulting ice can be extremely difficult to remove.  It pays to get the snow off the walks as soon as possible after snow has stopped falling.  You'll find that a shoveled walk warms up nicely if it gets some sun and soon all traces of snow and ice are gone...until the next storm. 

Being a Good Neighbor

Do you have elderly neighbors who find it difficult to clear sidewalks of snow?  Are your neighbors away when a heavy snow occurs?  Give them a helping hand and clear their walks for them.  It's the neighborly thing to do.  Most residents of Bozeman enjoy the small town atmosphere that the city provides.  A part of that is being able to walk to many places.  Bozeman is home to many folks who like to maintain an active lifestyle with a daily walk.  Be a good neighbor and keep you walks cleared so that we all can enjoy life's little pleasures---even when we're in that season known as "nine months of winter."